UN envoy in talks for Yemen ceasefire over coronavirus

The UN envoy to Yemen said yesterday he was engaged in talks with the country’s warring parties to secure a nationwide ceasefire to help counter the threat of the coronavirus.

Martin Griffiths’ office said he is discussing “concrete steps” with the warring sides despite a recent escalation in the long conflict.

Yemen has so far not recorded any case of COVID-19, but aid groups are concerned that when or if it does hit, the impact will be catastrophic for a country already facing what the UN calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Griffiths is in daily consultations aimed at bringing the warring sides together in “virtual” negotiations as soon as possible, a statement from his office said.

“I hope that these consultations can be soon completed and deliver what Yemenis expect, demand and deserve,” it quoted the envoy as saying.

The United Nations has issued a global call for armed groups to stand down during the pandemic.

 

UN envoy in talks for Yemen ceasefire over coronavirus

The UN envoy to Yemen said yesterday he was engaged in talks with the countrys warring parties to secure a nationwide ceasefire to help counter the threat of the coronavirus. Martin Griffiths office said he is discussing concrete steps with the warring sides despite a recent escalation in the long conflict. Yemen has so far not recorded any case of COVID-19, but aid groups are concerned that when or if it does hit, the impact will be catastrophic for a country already facing what the UN calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Griffiths is in daily consultations aimed at bringing the warring sides together in virtual negotiations as soon as possible, a statement from his office said. I hope that these consultations can be soon completed and deliver what Yemenis expect, demand and deserve, it quoted the envoy as saying. The United Nations has issued a global call for armed groups to stand down during the pandemic.